The music broadcast performance where NewJeans filmed each other with iPhone while performing their song ETA has received a formal sanction from the Korea Communications Standards Commission (KCSC).
On the 6th, the KCSC held its 30th general meeting and announced a disciplinary action of "caution" for SBS’s Inkigayo, which aired NewJeans’ iPhone performance on July 30th, 2023. This "caution" level falls under official penalties that can impact SBS’s future license renewal, considered a severe sanction.
During the program, NewJeans members took out iPhone 14 Pros mid-performance, filming each other for about 19 seconds.
Towards the end of the performance, member Minji held the iPhone as the group posed with their eyes on the phone’s camera, displaying a video on the main screen. This staging approach also appears in the ETA music video.
SBS stated, “Using a music video concept is a common performance technique, and the production team did not perceive it as an issue. They were very mindful of avoiding direct phone exposure.”
SBS apologized for any misunderstanding among viewers and committed to strengthening internal controls. Following the broadcast, the program’s directing PD was replaced.
KCSC member Kang Kyung Pil pointed out, “It seems the PD knew that an iPhone ad would follow immediately after the show, making it hard to believe they didn’t consider the connection.”
KCSC Chair Ryu Hee Rim added, “When a performance identical to the music video displays a phone camera shot, it’s difficult to avoid viewer perception of it as an advertisement.” The KCSC ordered SBS to prevent future occurrences.
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